Feeling oddly nervous, Allie perched on the edge of one of the leather chairs facing the desk and shot her an enquiring look. The headmistress looked as if she wanted to speak but then she stopped herself and instead gestured at the phone. Even when she wasn’t physically present, Lucinda was in charge. ‘Allie, I hear you’re doing very well, readjusting to Cimmeria life.’ Her grandmother’s powerful voice sounded almost comically small through the phone’s minute speakers. ‘I’m not at all surprised.’ Again Allie’s eyes flitted up to Isabelle’s face, searching for clues as to what was happening here. The headmistress kept her gaze lowered, giving nothing away. But Lucinda’s next statement answered Allie’s unasked question. ‘I’ve asked you here to discuss our plans for the parley with Nathaniel. I understand you have been informed of his requests?’ Allie nodded, then remembered her grandmother couldn’t see her.
